Deer Park School will see its sports teams face new competition as it transitions from a 1A to a 2A classification this fall. With the start of the season approaching, student-athletes must complete key registration steps, and fans can now take advantage of the convenient GSL pass for game access.
With the 2024-2025 school year approaching, Deer Park High School is preparing for its entry into the Greater Spokane League (GSL) as a 2A school following a reclassification by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA). This decision follows the WIAA’s recent calculations, determining school classifications based on student enrollment numbers. Although last year’s Deer Park’s principal, Joe Feist, and athletic director, Cameron Gilbert, appealed the reclassification, their appeal was not successful, and the shift to 2A will take effect this fall. The new league will include schools such as East Valley, West Valley, Pullman, Clarkston, Rogers, and North Central (in football only). The move to the GSL also introduces logistical updates for fans and athletes alike.
Student-athletes eager to participate in fall sports must complete several steps before becoming eligible to practice. Interested players should register online at Deerpark-wa.finalforms.com. The school asks you to choose the sport/sports you will participate in each season at the beginning of the year. Students must have a current sports physical, valid for 24 months. Additionally, athletes must pay the $35 ASB fee, which can be processed through Skyward or the high school business office. No athlete will be allowed to participate in practice without completing these steps, and this rule has no exceptions.
Important season start dates are also on the horizon. Football begins on August 21st, followed by Cross Country, Girl’s Soccer, Slowpitch Softball, Volleyball, and Cheerleading on August 26th. For those looking ahead, winter sports like Basketball, Wrestling, and Cheerleading kick off on November 18th, while spring sports—such as Track and Field, Softball, Baseball, Tennis, Golf, and Boys Soccer—are set to begin on March 3rd.
For fans, attending games has been made more accessible by introducing the GSL pass. Available at Shopgsl.com, this pass allows entry to all regular season league games, both home and away, at participating GSL schools. When purchasing, select “Deer Park Stags” for local access. The pass is not valid for non-league games, like Deer Park vs. Riverside, which will still require separate payment. The GSL Sports Pass does not include admission to District 6 regional Playoffs, State, or tiebreakers.
Fans, athletes, and families are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these changes to ensure a smooth start to the season. For any further questions about sports registration or league updates, the school’s athletic department is available for assistance.
Sources:
- “Register for DPHS Athletics.” Deer Park School District, 5 Aug. 2024, DPSD.org/o/dphomelink/article/1699677.
- Allman, Alexa. “Athletic Classification for Next Academic Year.” Email to Richard Schut, 22 Jan. 2024.
- Allman, Alexa. “August 2024 Welcome Back Letter.” Deer Park School District, 12 Aug. 2024.
